EP2922474B1 - Ct-vorrichtung zur abbildung kranialer anatomien - Google Patents

Ct-vorrichtung zur abbildung kranialer anatomien Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2922474B1
EP2922474B1 EP13856995.9A EP13856995A EP2922474B1 EP 2922474 B1 EP2922474 B1 EP 2922474B1 EP 13856995 A EP13856995 A EP 13856995A EP 2922474 B1 EP2922474 B1 EP 2922474B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
imaging means
supporting
imaging
ring
shaped structure
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EP13856995.9A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2922474A4 (de
EP2922474A1 (de
Inventor
Tapio Laukkanen
Sami Tohka
Lauri SEPPÄLÄ
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Planmed Oy
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Planmed Oy
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/04Positioning of patients; Tiltable beds or the like
    • A61B6/0407Supports, e.g. tables or beds, for the body or parts of the body
    • A61B6/0421Supports, e.g. tables or beds, for the body or parts of the body with immobilising means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/44Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/4405Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis the apparatus being movable or portable, e.g. handheld or mounted on a trolley
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/02Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/03Computed tomography [CT]
    • A61B6/032Transmission computed tomography [CT]
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/02Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis
    • A61B6/03Computed tomography [CT]
    • A61B6/032Transmission computed tomography [CT]
    • A61B6/035Mechanical aspects of CT
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/04Positioning of patients; Tiltable beds or the like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/06Diaphragms
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/50Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications
    • A61B6/501Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications for diagnosis of the head, e.g. neuroimaging or craniography

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a medical computed tomography imaging apparatus and a method for imaging a patient's cranial area in a novel way.
  • Some specific imaging methods and, especially, imaging apparatuses designed for said methods have generally been used for x-ray imaging the human cranial area. Simplest of these as far as technology of the apparatus and of the imaging itself are concerned are solutions related to transillumination imaging in which, during an exposure, both the patient and the imaging means remain stationary. Thus, imaging of this kind has not always been implemented even such that the means for generating radiation and receiving image information would have been arranged as a physically integrated apparatus.
  • controlling of the relative movement between the imaging means and the object being imaged plays an essential role, as well as does controlling of movement of a film or operation of a detector during exposure.
  • a typical panoramic x-ray imaging apparatus is based on a structure in which a source of radiation and a receiver of image information are located at the opposite ends of the so-called C-arm, which is arranged movable.
  • imaging means arranged inside a so-called gantry or an O-structure are moved within said structure while the patient is lying e.g. on a table belonging to the imaging apparatus, the table extends inside the gantry.
  • said table or the gantry itself is arranged movable to enable moving of the patient with respect to the imaging apparatus.
  • the object of the present invention is to advance the state of the art by offering novel possibilities for cranial tomography.
  • the object of the invention is an imaging apparatus arrangement which, depending on the embodiment of the invention and the prior art with which it is compared, can facilitate positioning of a patient in an examination opening of a ring-shaped imaging apparatus. This especially concerning patients who suffers from claustrophobia.
  • the case may also be imaging of certain cranial anatomies in a novel way and, as a result, some anatomies may become imaged more sharp than in some imaging arrangements used before.
  • some anatomies critical from the viewpoint of radiation load can be left partially or totally outside the radiation beam.
  • a positioning support means particularly a structure fastened to the imaging apparatus itself, not any external structure such as a movable table separate from the imaging apparatus by means of which a patient can be brought to the examination opening of the imaging apparatus.
  • an extension partially breaking its circular shape which, inter alia, provides more room for positioning a cranium for imaging.
  • centre and central axis will be used in connection with structures which do not necessarily form a true, full circle but are of circular shape only for their prevailing part. To avoid ambiguity, these terms refer in connection with this specification to a point and an axis which would be the centre or central axis of said structure in case the structure would form a full or a true circle.
  • this specification employs the terms a substantially ring-shaped structure, an O-arm and a gantry.
  • the vertical position of the O-arm refers to a position where the central axis of the O-arm is horizontally oriented and the horizontal position of the O-arm refers to a position where its central axis is vertically oriented.
  • Fig. 1 shows a general view of an imaging apparatus according to the invention.
  • the basic structure of the apparatus includes a support structure (1) which supports a substantially ring-shaped structure (2) within which imaging means (source of radiation 21, receiver of image information 22) of the apparatus are located.
  • This O-arm (2) is arranged with an examination opening (4) within which an anatomy to be imaged is positioned.
  • Fig. 1 further shows a patient support rail (5) arranged to the support structure (1), a user interface (6) being in functional connection with the control system of the apparatus, a possibly detachably mounted pedestal or base part (7) projecting substantially in the direction of the O-arm, and a positioning support (8) arranged to the examination opening (4).
  • the mounting of the structure (2) supporting the imaging means to the support structure (1) can be arranged to enable moving of the O-arm (2), such as adjustment of its height position.
  • the O-arm (2) is mounted to its support structure (1) from the side of the 0-arm (2) and not below it, whereby no structures will be created below the O-arm (2) which could obstruct the use of the imaging apparatus and, possibly, positioning of a patient.
  • the O-arm (2) can also be arranged to be turnable in at least one direction, preferably in both directions, in some embodiments up to 90 degrees from the vertical position shown in Fig. 1 to the horizontal position and, on the other hand, movable also in the horizontal direction. These movements may be realized with the help of one or more actuators (M0, M1) ( Fig. 5 ) and control of these manoeuvres can be arranged implementable, aside from the user interface (6), also by means of a joy stick (9) arranged into connection with the O-arm (2) and/or the support frame (1).
  • M0, M1 Fig. 5
  • the positioning support (8) shown in Fig. 2 comprises a trough-shaped support structure (81) and a forehead support (82) diverging substantially perpendicularly from it.
  • the forehead support (82) is arranged with an opening, a viewing opening (82') which is preferably positioned at least substantially on the height of the patient's eyes. Because the patients' anatomies can be of different sizes and different shapes, the front part of the trough-shaped support structure (81), i.e. the area where the patient's jaw will be positioned, is arranged with incisions (84) which enable a detachable mounting of an adjusting plate (83) to the support construction (81).
  • These adjusting plates (83) which are to be placed in incisions arranged to the through as such are still only one preferable embodiment of the invention, as one can also arrange the positioning support (8) with other kind of means (83, 84) for adjusting location of one or more support points provided by the positioning support (8).
  • an adjusting knob (85) to enable adjusting of position of the positioning support with respect to the examination opening (4).
  • the adjusting knob (85) can be arranged to operate as a screw which tightens one or more guide grooves (not shown in the figure) arranged at a desired point in a connection structure (86). Opening of this screw then enables moving the positioning support (8) to a new desired point in said guide groove.
  • the adjusting knob (85) can also be arranged to operate as a joy stick by means of which location of the positioning support (8) in the examination opening (4) can be adjusted.
  • the adjustment of the position of the positioning support (8) in the examination opening (4) can mean, inter alia, moving it in the direction of the central axis of the examination opening, in a direction perpendicular with respect to it or tilting the positioning support (8).
  • Such manoeuvring possibilities provide flexibility in positioning an anatomy for imaging.
  • the apparatus can be mounted with different positioning supports (8), which enables always using a positioning support (8) according to the special characteristics of the imaging in question and, besides cranial anatomies, imaging of extremities, for example.
  • the positioning support (8) can be realized as a structure different of its details than as those shown in Fig. 2 . What is essential is that it provides such support points to position a cranium for imaging that the cranium is positioned in the imaging apparatus in a desired way.
  • Fig. 3 shows a patient positioned in one imaging apparatus arrangement according to the invention.
  • the positioning support (8) shown in Fig. 3 is in principle equivalent to the one in Fig. 2 but, to keep Fig. 3 as simple as possible, the positioning support (8) is shown partially simplified.
  • the figure shows how the patient's forehead supports itself on the forehead support (82) of the positioning support (8) and the jaw to the bottom of the through-shaped support construction (81).
  • the patient's cranium is large, whereby the adjusting plate (83) is not in use.
  • Fig. 3 shows that the patient's gaze is directed forward (via the opening in the forehead support (82) shown in Fig. 2 ), not upward towards the inner surface of the examination opening (4), which would locate substantially close to the patient's eyes which some people could find anguishing.
  • Fig. 3 shows positioning of a plane formed by the patient's face with respect to a radiation beam - or to a plane not shown in the figure as such which will be formed when the imaging means (21, 22) are moved within said substantially ring-shaped structure (2) which supports the imaging means.
  • Fig. 3 also shows a collimator (25) arranged into connection with the source of radiation (21), which comprises a two-dimensional opening which limits the radiation being emitted from the focus of the source of radiation into a two-dimensional and expanding radiation beam.
  • the volume (FOV - Field of View) shown in Fig. 3 illustrates the part of the cranial anatomy one is able to image by a radiation beam limited by the collimator (25) in the construction according to Fig. 3 , when the imaging means (21, 22) move during an exposure within the gantry (2) with respect to a rotation axis defined by the central axis of the gantry.
  • the volume being imaged with the arrangement according to the invention can thus be made to include the jaw and the jaw joints, teeth and ears as well as maxillary and frontal sinuses, i.e. anatomies substantially on the facial side of a cranium.
  • the thyroid gland which is critical for radiation load caused to a patient, can still be positioned to remain outside the volume being imaged.
  • an outer cover (3) of the O-arm (2) forms for its prevailing part a shape of a circle which yet comprises a sector where the distance from the centre of said circle to the edges of the outer cover (3) is smaller than the radius of the prevailing part of the shape of a circle.
  • the part in said sector with the cut out of the O-ring (2) is evenly curved in the opposite direction with respect to the arch of the circle of the prevailing portion of the outer cover (3), but this cut out can also be of some other shape, such as wedge-shaped, rectangular, straight or even curved in the same direction as the portion of the arch of the outer cover (3) substantially of the shape of a circle.
  • the examination opening (4) is also implemented only for its prevailing part substantially as a circle.
  • a sector is arranged to the examination opening (4) which forms an extension to the circle. That is, the examination opening (4) is provided with a sector in the area of which the distance of the edge of the examination opening (4) from the centre of the circular portion of the examination opening (4) (or from the central axis of the O-arm (2)) is longer than the radius of the circular portion of the examination opening (4).
  • Such design of the examination opening (4) is preferable e.g. when the aim is to realize dimensions of the cross-section perpendicular with respect to the central axis of the O-arm (2) as small as possible. It also gives more space for positioning e.g.
  • an anatomy of oval shape i.e. a cranium but as well a foot
  • the examination opening (4) is substantially of the shape of a droplet, i.e. the shape of its extension is substantially an equilateral triangle having a truncated apex, but said extension can naturally be of some other shape as well.
  • outer cover (3) of the O-arm (2) and the examination opening (4) different from the circular shape are part of a preferable embodiment of the invention, but the outer cover (3) can also be implemented in some other shape.
  • the source of radiation (21) and the receiver of image information (22) are arranged within the substantially ring-shaped structure (2) supporting the imaging means and as movable along a curved path within said structure, substantially on opposite sides of the examination opening (4).
  • the distance between the edge of the examination opening (4) and the outer cover (3) of the O-arm (2) (or the radial dimension of the ring of the O-arm) must naturally be arranged of adequate size to enable said paths.
  • Fig. 4 shows a possible embodiment of the invention which includes a ring-shaped support part (20) arranged within the O-arm (2), whereto substantially on sides opposite to each other are arranged the source of radiation (21) and the receiver of image information (22).
  • the support part (20) is arranged rotatable within the structure (2) supporting the imaging means by means of an actuator (23) and a transmission belt (24).
  • the source of radiation (21) and the receiver of image information (22) are arranged movable within said substantially ring-shaped structure (2) supporting the imaging means with respect to the centre of rotation such that the source of radiation (21) (the focus of the source of radiation) moves at a different distance from said centre of rotation than the receiver of image information (22).
  • the source of radiation (21) is mounted to the outer circumference of the ring-shaped support part (20) whereby, when rotating the support part (20), the focus of the source of radiation (21) moves as farther from said centre of rotation than the receiver of image information (22) mounted to the side of the inner circumference of the support part (20).
  • the range of movement of the imaging means is implemented unlike in some prior-art apparatuses of similar type, i.e. by arranging the source of radiation (21) and the receiver of image information (22) movable along a curved path substantially on opposite sides of the examination opening (4) for a shorter distance than 360 degrees.
  • This distance is referred to in the context of this specification as an angle of rotation, and preferably it is arranged to be somewhat larger than 180 degrees but still substantially smaller than 360 degrees, such as of the order of 210 ⁇ 20 degrees.
  • arranging the imaging means (21, 22) to be movable at different distances from the centre of rotation may preferably be implemented particularly in an arrangement comprising the above-described cut in the O-arm (2) and extension in the examination opening (4).
  • the range of manoeuvring of the source of radiation (21) can be arranged not to extend to that sector of the O-arm in which the outer cover (3) is cut like described above and, on the other hand, the range of manoeuvring of the receiver of image information (22) not to extend to that sector of the O-arm (2) in which is arranged the extension of the examination opening (4) as described above.
  • the apparatus can be implemented as shown in Fig. 3 such that the source of radiation (21) arranged to move as farther from the centre of rotation is able to move from the outside of the extension of the examination opening (4) and the receiver of image information (22), again, from the inside of the cut arranged to the outer cover (3) of the O-arm (2).
  • such embodiment of the invention enables a structure where, due to the extension arranged to the examination opening (4), it is possible to implement the diameter of the circular portion of the examination opening (4) smaller than would be possible without the extension sector and, further, it is possible to arrange the cut to the outer cover (3) of the O-arm (2) which facilitates patient positioning.
  • Such an embodiment of the invention is implementable as a compact structure and it enables realizing both the examination opening (4) and the outer dimensions of the whole O-arm (2) smaller than would otherwise be possible.
  • the adjustment of the height position of the positioning support (8) (i.e. the adjustment of location of the positioning support (8) with respect to the central axis of the O-arm (2)) can be arranged motorized and, besides, to function as synchronized with the adjustment of height position of the O-arm (2).
  • the positioning support (8) can be driven to its lowermost (or some other desired) position with respect to the O-arm (2) with the help of the actuator (M2), and the O-arm (2) with the help of the actuator (M1) to such a height position in which the positioning support (8) being at its lowermost position will get positioned at the height level whereon one wishes it to be during imaging.
  • the positioning support (8) driven to its lowermost position leaves more room within the examination opening (4) for positioning an anatomy and, after one has managed to get it positioned in a desired manner, the arrangement can be brought ready for imaging by driving the positioning support (8) upwards and the O-arm (2) downwards at an equal speed.
  • the positioning support (8) and thus also the patient remain stationary with respect to "the patient's set of coordinates" while, at the same time, the area to be imaged - or rather, the volume (FOV) - moves to a desired place with respect to the anatomy having been positioned at the positioning support (8).
  • FOV volume
  • Fig. 5 also shows a joy stick (32) belonging to the structure for driving the O-arm (2) to different height positions and a horizontal axis (31) with respect to which the O-arm (2) is arranged turnable, preferably turnable in both directions from its vertical position shown in Fig. 5 .
  • the structure for driving the O-arm (2) in the horizontal direction can be implemented in a corresponding way but, to keep Fig. 5 simplified, this structure is not shown in the figure.
  • Versatile degrees of freedom of motion of the gantry (2) can facilitate patient positioning, inter alia, in connection with imaging of patients of anatomies different from the average, or of injured patients.
  • Fig. 6 shows, as simplified, yet another embodiment for adjusting location of the positioning support (8) with respect to the O-arm (2).
  • a motorized (M3) freedom of movement parallel with the direction of the central axis of the O-arm (2) is arranged for the positioning support (8).
  • This arrangement enables, inter alia, to move location of the imaging area (FOV) with respect to the patient by synchronized drive of the positioning support (8) and the O-arm (2) in opposite directions, whereby the positioning support (8) remains stationary with respect to the patient's set of coordinates.
  • the apparatus includes a control system which can comprise a control function for moving the positioning support (8) by at least one actuator in the first direction and at the first speed within the area of the examination opening of the substantially ring-shaped structure (2) which supports the imaging means, and for simultaneously moving the ring-shaped structure (2) supporting the imaging means with respect to said support construction (1) by at least one actuator substantially at said first speed substantially in the opposite direction than said first direction.
  • the movement of the positioning support (8) in the first direction can comprise moving of the positioning support (8) substantially in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the central axis of said ring-shaped structure (2) towards the central axis of the examination opening (2).
  • said movement of the positioning support (8) in the first direction can comprise moving the positioning support (8) in the vertical direction, whereupon said movement of the structure (2) supporting the imaging means in the opposite direction comprises vertical movement of the structure (2) supporting the imaging means with respect to its said support construction (1).
  • the angle of rotation of the imaging means (21, 22) previously described above is sufficient in cone-beam tomography in which the radiation beam generated by the source of radiation (21) is arranged to be limited to a true two-dimensional radiation beam and the receiver of image information (22), again, of its form and dimensions at least such that it covers said two-dimensional radiation beam.
  • a radiation beam of this kind can also be arranged to be limited to more than one size and/or shape, whereby the receiver of image information (22) must naturally be arranged either to cover all possible radiation beam sizes and shapes or it must be arranged changeable.
  • the base part (7) arranged mountable into connection with the support construction (1) shown in Fig. 1 can be a component optionally arranged to the apparatus and its use is preferable particularly when there is no intention to bolt or otherwise mount the support construction (1) on the floor, or if the location where the apparatus is considered to be used does not enable floor mounting.
  • the base part (7) assists the apparatus staying upright and, at the same time, it is e.g. possible to arrange wheels under the projecting base part (7) and the support construction (1) to facilitate transferring of the apparatus, such as transferring it from one imaging room to another.
  • the preferable embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 can be implemented as a relatively compact structure and, for achieving many of the advantages described above, as a structure where the radius of the prevailing portion of the examination opening (4) being of the shape of an arch of a circle is of the order of 15 cm or slightly more and, on the other hand, the radius of the prevailing portion of the O-arm (2) of the shape of an arch of a circle is of the order of 50 cm or even less.
  • the distance of the focus of the source of radiation (21) from the centre of rotation of the imaging means (21, 22) can preferably be arranged e.g. for about 390 mm and that of the receiver of image information for about 190 mm.
  • the present invention can be considered to be applicable also in connection with conventional, large apparatuses designed for imaging the whole human body, the unexpectedness and benefits of the arrangement are emphasized in a context in which the relative positioning of the imaging means (source of radiation and receiver of image information) and the dimensions of the receiver of image information are implemented to produce an imaging area (FOV) the volume of which is smaller than the volume of the human cranium (i.e. e.g. smaller than 4 dm 3 )
  • the essential feature of the invention i.e. how the positioning support (8) is arranged to position the anatomy being imaged to the apparatus.
  • the support points according to the invention provided by the positioning support (8) are dimensioned in accordance with the dimensions of the human cranium and the positioning support (8) is arranged into connection with the examination opening (4) such that, a human being positioned in the positioning support (8), the human face is pointing towards an angle area "central axis of the examination opening (4) of ⁇ 45 degrees", and/or such that the plane formed by the human face is parallel with or in the angle area of ⁇ 45 degrees with respect to the plane which is formed by the imaging means (21, 22) when moving within the substantially ring-shaped structure (2).
  • this is implemented particularly such that relative positioning of the imaging means (21, 22) and dimensions of the receiver of image information (22) and, on the other hand, said positioning support (8) are realized such that the volume getting imaged (FOV) by an exposure will be located, with respect to the anatomy being positioned at the positioning support (8), within an area substantially on the facial side of the cranium.
  • FOV volume getting imaged
  • the support points provided by the positioning support (8) can be arranged to be located, in the direction of the central axis of the examination opening (4), at a distance from the edge of the examination opening (4) within the examination opening (4).
  • at least one support point is arranged to be formed substantially in the jaw area and at least one substantially in the forehead area.
  • the positioning support (8) can be arranged with means for adjusting location of one or more of said support points (83, 84), and location of the positioning support (8) in the examination opening (4) adjustable in the direction of the central axis of the examination opening and/or in the perpendicular direction with respect to it.
  • the positioning support (8) can also be arranged tiltable.
  • the general purpose of the positioning support according to the invention is to provide for the human cranium support points in order for the patient's head better remaining stationary during an exposure.
  • One of the design criteria and object of the invention was to offer a possibility to remove possible anxieties a patient may have by emphasizing the fact that, if needed, it is easy, quick and effortless to exit the patient support according to the invention by just pulling one's head backwards.
  • the novel patient positioning creates possibilities for novel imaging geometries with respect to the patient's anatomy by imaging apparatuses of the kinds known in the prior art as such.
  • the invention thus also relates to a method for collecting image information from the cranial area, in which method, the cranium is positioned for imaging and an exposure is implemented by a two-dimensional radiation beam which is driven around the cranium for at least 180 degrees and the radiation having penetrated the cranium is detected by a detector moving on the opposite side of the cranium, in which method, the anatomy is scanned by a radiation beam substantially parallel with the plane formed by the facial area of the cranium and substantially only in the area of the facial side of the cranium.

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Claims (18)

  1. Computertomographievorrichtung zur Bildverarbeitung von Schädelanatomien, wobei die Vorrichtung folgendes aufweist:
    eine Tragstruktur (1), welche so angeordnet ist, um eine Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragende im Wesentlichen ringförmige Struktur (2) zu tragen, wobei die Bildverarbeitungsmittel eine Strahlungsquelle (21) und einen Empfänger für Bildinformationen (22) enthält, wobei die Bildverarbeitungsmittel innerhalb dieser im Wesentlichen ringförmigen Struktur (2) angeordnet sind, die die Bildverarbeitungsmittel im Wesentlichen auf einer gegenüberliegenden Seite voneinander trägt und innerhalb dieser ringförmigen die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden Struktur (2) beweglich sind;
    ein Kollimator, der im Wesentlichen in Verbindung mit der Strahlungsquelle angeordnet ist, wobei der Kollimator eine zweidimensionale Öffnung aufweist, um die emittierte Strahlung von einem Brennpunkt der Strahlungsquelle in einen zweidimensionalen und einen expandierenden Strahl zu begrenzen,
    wobei in der Vorrichtung diese ringförmige die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragende Struktur (2), eine Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) enthält, in welchem ein Objekt zur Bildverarbeitung positionierbar ist, um abgebildet zu werden, und innerhalb welchem ein Positionierungsträger (8) zur Unterstützung einer Anatomie angebracht ist, die für die Dauer einer Belichtung abgebildet wird,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Auflagepunkte, die von diesem Positionierungsträger (8) vorgesehen sind, in Übereinstimmung mit Abmessungen eines menschlichen Schädels dimensioniert sind, und dieser Positionierungsträger (8) in Verbindung mit der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) so angeordnet ist, dass, wenn der Schädel in dem Positionierungsträger (8) positioniert ist, eine durch das Gesicht des Menschen gebildete Ebene parallel zu oder in dem Winkelbereich von +/-45° in Bezug auf eine Ebene ist, welche durch diese Bildverarbeitungsmittel (21, 22) ausgebildet ist, wenn sie innerhalb dieser die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden im Wesentlichen ringförmigen Struktur (2) bewegt wird und dadurch, dass eine beidseitige Position der Bildverarbeitungsmittel (21, 22), eine Kollimation des Strahlungsstrahls und wiederum dieser Positionierungsträger (8) so realisiert sind, dass ein Volumen, dass durch eine Belichtung erzeugt/abgebildet wird/ist (FOV), auf einer Gesichtsseite des Schädels festgelegt ist.
  2. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Auflagepunkte, die durch diesen Positionierungsträger (8) vorgesehen sind, so angeordnet sind, um in der Richtung der Mittelachse der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4), in einem Abstand von dem Rand der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4), innerhalb der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) angeordnet zu sein.
  3. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass dieser Positionierungsträger (8) so angeordnet ist, um zumindest einen Auflagepunkt im Wesentlichen im Kieferbereich und zumindest einen im Wesentlichen im Stirnbereich auszubilden.
  4. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass dieser Positionierungsträger (8) eine Stirnstütze (82) aufweist, die sich im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Mittelachse der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) erstreckt.
  5. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese Stirnstütze (82) mit einer Sichtöffnung (82') angeordnet ist und/oder dass dieser Positionierungsträger (8) mit Lokalisierungseinstellungsmitteln einer oder mehrerer Auflagepunkte angeordnet ist.
  6. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass dieser Positionierungsträger (8) im Wesentlichen in der senkrechten Richtung in Bezug auf die Richtung der Mittelachse dieser ringförmigen die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden Struktur (2) und/oder in einer Richtung, welche parallel zu der Richtung dieser Mittelachse ist, beweglich angeordnet ist.
  7. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass dieser Positionierungsträger (8) durch Mittel von zumindest einem Aktuator (M0, M1, M2, M3) in Bezug auf diese die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragende Struktur (2) beweglich angeordnet ist, und/oder diese die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragende ringförmige Struktur (2) durch Mittel von zumindest einem Aktuator (M0, M1, M2, M3) in Bezug auf diese Tragstruktur (1) für die die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragende ringförmige Struktur (2) beweglich angeordnet ist.
  8. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung ein Steuerungssystem hat, welches eine Steuerungsfunktion zum Bewegen des Positionierungsträgers (8) durch zumindest einen Aktuator (M0, M1, M2, M3) in einer ersten Richtung und bei einer ersten Geschwindigkeit innerhalb der Bereiche der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) der die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden im Wesentlichen ringförmigen Struktur (2), und zum gleichzeitigen Bewegen der die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden ringförmigen Struktur (2) in Bezug auf diese Tragstruktur (1) durch zumindest einen Aktuator (M0, M1, M2, M3) bei im Wesentlichen dieser ersten Geschwindigkeit die die im Wesentlichen entgegengesetzte Richtung als diese erste Richtung hat.
  9. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese Bewegung des Positionierungsträgers (8) in der ersten Richtung eine Bewegung des Positionierungsträgers (8) im Wesentlichen in einer Richtung senkrecht zu der Richtung der Mittelachse von dieser die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden ringförmigen Struktur (2), in Richtung der Mittelachse der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) hat.
  10. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) so angeordnet ist, dass deren vorherrschende Abschnitt im Wesentlichen die Form eines Kreisbogens, jedoch mit einer ErweiterungNerlängerung hat, und innerhalb des Sektors, der durch die Erweiterung/Verlängerung abgedeckt ist, der Abstand von der Mitte dieses Kreisbogens bis zum Rand der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) länger ist als innerhalb dieses vorherrschenden Abschnitts der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) im Wesentlichen in der Form eines Kreisbogens und/oder, dass eine äußere Abdeckung (3) der die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden im Wesentlichen ringförmigen Struktur (2), wie für deren vorherrschenden Teil einer Form eines Kreises, jedoch einen Sektor hat, wo/bei dem der Abstand von der Mitte dieses Kreises bis zum Rand der äußeren Abdeckung (3) kleiner ist als der Radius dieses vorherrschenden Teils in der Form eines Kreises.
  11. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese Strahlungsquelle (21) und der Empfänger für Bildinformationen (22) innerhalb dieser die Verarbeitungsmittel tragenden im Wesentlichen ringförmigen Struktur (2) in Bezug auf das Rotationszentrum bewegbar angeordnet sind, sodass die Strahlungsquelle (21) sich bei einem unterschiedlichen Abstand von diesem Rotationszentrum bewegt als der Empfänger für Bildinformationen (22).
  12. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragende im Wesentlichen ringförmige Struktur (2) eine äußere Abdeckung (3) aufweist, dessen Querschnitt in einer Richtung senkrecht in Bezug auf die Mittelachse dieser ringförmigen Struktur (2) für ihren vorherrschenden Abschnitt im Wesentlichen in der Form eines Kreisbogens angeordnet ist, jedoch einen Schnitt hat, und innerhalb des Sektors, der durch den Schnitt abgedeckt ist, ist der Abstand von der Mitte dieses Kreisbogens bis zum Rand der äußeren Abdeckung (3) kürzer als innerhalb dieses Abschnitts der äußeren Abdeckung (3) im Wesentlichen in der Form eines Kreisbogens, wobei diese Erweiterung/Verlängerung der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) angeordnet ist, um im Wesentlichen auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite dieser die Bildverarbeitungsmittel (21, 22) tragenden ringförmigen Struktur (2), lokalisiert zu sein, als dieser Schnitt der äußeren Abdeckung (3), und ein Bewegungsbereich dieser Strahlungsquelle (21) innerhalb dieser die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden ringförmigen Struktur (2) ist angeordnet, um nicht diesen Sektor der die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden Struktur (2) zu verlängern/erweitern, wobei dieser Schnitt der äußeren Abdeckung (3) gemacht ist und ein Bewegungsbereich des Empfängers für Bildinformationen (22) angeordnet ist, um nicht diesen Sektor der die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden Struktur (2) zu erweitern/verlängern, worin diese Erweiterung/Verlängerung der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) angeordnet ist.
  13. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 10 oder 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Radius des vorherrschenden Abschnitts dieser Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4), welche im Wesentlichen die Form eines Kreisbogens in der Größe von 15 cm oder mehr ist, wobei der Radius des vorherrschenden Abschnitts dieser Struktur (2), die die Bildverarbeitungsmittel trägt, welche im Wesentlichen in der Form eines Kreisbogens ist, in der Größe von 50 cm oder weniger ist, und/oder, dass der Abstand des Brennpunkts der Strahlungsquelle (21) von dem Rotationszentrum der Bildverarbeitungsmittel (21, 22) etwa 390 mm ist, der Abstand des Empfängers für Bildinformationen (22) von dem Rotationszentrum der Bildverarbeitungsmittel (21,22) etwa 190 mm ist.
  14. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese Tragstruktur (1) angeordnet ist, die die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragende im Wesentlichen ringförmige Struktur (2) nur so auf dessen Seite zu tragen, dass keine anderen Tragstrukturen, dies diese tragen, unterhalb der die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden ringförmigen Struktur (2) angeordnet sind.
  15. Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das beidseitige Positionieren der Bildverarbeitungsmittel (21, 22) und Dimensionen des Empfängers für Bildinformationen implementiert sind, um einen Bildverarbeitungsfeld (FOV) zu produzieren, dessen Volumen kleiner ist als ein menschlicher Schädel, beispielsweise kleiner als 4 dm3.
  16. Verfahren zum Sammeln von Bildinformationen von einem Schädelbereich, in diesem Verfahren ist ein Schädel zur Bildverarbeitung positioniert und eine Belichtung ist durch einen zweidimensionalen Strahlungsstrahl implementiert, welcher um den Schädel für zumindest 180° herum gefahren wird und die Strahlung, die den Schädel durchdrungen hat, durch einen Detektor erfasst wird, der sich auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite des Schädels bewegt, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass in dem Verfahren der Schädel i) durch einen Strahl, der im Wesentlichen parallel mit der Ebene ist, die durch den Gesichtsbereich des Schädels ausgebildet ist und ii) Informationen nur von der Gesichtsseite des Schädels ermittelt werden, gescannt wird.
  17. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 16, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass in dem Verfahren eine Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung verwendet wird, welche eine Tragstruktur (1) aufweist, die angeordnet ist, um eine die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragende im Wesentlichen ringförmige Struktur (2) zu tragen, wobei diese Bildverarbeitungsmittel eine Strahlungsquelle (21) und einen Empfänger für Bildinformationen (22) aufweist und innerhalb dieser im Wesentlichen ringförmigen Struktur (2), die die Bildverarbeitungsmittel trägt, im Wesentlichen auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten voneinander angeordnet sind und innerhalb dieser ringförmigen Struktur (2), die die Bildverarbeitungsmittel trägt, beweglich sind, einen Kollimator, der im Wesentlichen innerhalb der Verbindung zwischen der Strahlungsquelle (21) angeordnet ist, um die von einem Brennpunkt der Strahlungsquelle (21) emittierende Strahlung in einen zweidimensionalen und einen verlängerten Strahl zu begrenzen, wobei in dieser Vorrichtung diese die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragende ringförmige Struktur (2) eine Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) aufweist, in welcher der Schädel zur Bildverarbeitung positionierbar ist und innerhalb welcher ein Positionierungsträger (8) zur Positionierung des Schädels für die Dauer der Belichtung angeordnet ist.
  18. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 17, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass das Verfahren einen Patientenpositionierungsphase hat, die vor der Belichtung, in welche ein Patient in den Positionierungsträger (8) positioniert wird, der in dieser Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4) angeordnet ist, durchgeführt wird, in Verbindung mit dieser Patientenpositionierung zumindest eine der nachfolgenden Schritte implementiert ist: Bewegen des Positionierungsträgers (8) in der Untersuchungs-/Überprüfungsöffnung (4), Drehen der die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden ringförmigen Struktur (2) in Bezug auf eine Horizontalachse, Bewegen der die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden ringförmigen Struktur (2) nach oben und/oder nach unten, Bewegen der die Bildverarbeitungsmittel tragenden ringförmigen Struktur (2) in einer Horizontalrichtung.
EP13856995.9A 2012-11-23 2013-11-22 Ct-vorrichtung zur abbildung kranialer anatomien Active EP2922474B1 (de)

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PCT/FI2013/051096 WO2014080083A1 (en) 2012-11-23 2013-11-22 Ct apparatus for imaging cranial anatomies

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FI124596B (fi) 2014-10-31
WO2014080083A1 (en) 2014-05-30
EP2922474A1 (de) 2015-09-30
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CN104869908A (zh) 2015-08-26
US20150289827A1 (en) 2015-10-15

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